The award-winning Metro Bar and Grill has announced an expansion into Coventry.

The company, which has outlets in central Birmingham and Solihull, is the first bar-restaurant to sign up to the new £110 million Belgrade Plaza scheme by Oakmoor Deeley which is creating a culture and leisure quarter in the city.

The company, which opened its first outlet in Cornwall Street, Birmingham, eight years ago, is expected to create around 25 jobs when it launches early in 2008.

Chris Kelly, a director of Metro Bar and Grill, said the company had been looking to expand into the city for a couple of years.

He said: "We opened in Solihull two years ago and have looked towards Coventry since then. We have really been waiting for the right development and Belgrade Plaza fits our requirements exactly.

"It is linked very closely with the Belgrade Theatre and has already attracted some high-quality national operators.

"We have great faith in Coventry and its undoubted potential and are convinced it is a city centre on the rise. This is a considerable step for our company, but we are extremely confident Metro Bar and Grill will prove as successful in Coventry as it has elsewhere."

Both existing Metros are in the Michelin and Good Food guides and have won other local and national awards.

Metro's decision to expand into Belgrade Plaza follows the announcement that Radisson Edwardian is to open its first four star hotel outside London. Premier Travel Inn and Gala Casino have already signed up to the development.

Tim Hurdiss, of Oakmoor Deeley, said Metro was an ideal fit for Belgrade Plaza. He added: "Our whole aim has been to attract high-quality, high-reputation brands and Metro Bar and Grill is exactly that."

Birmingham property agents Wright Silverwood acted for Belgrade Plaza in the letting to Metro Bar and Grill. Shortland Horne and Atis Real also market the development.